Boss Picks
Tenacity, Quality the Secrets of Ade Bakare Couture’s Success – Ade Bakare
By Eric Elezuo
He needs no introduction in the fashion world. With over 27 years of experience designing and styling some of the nation’s finest women, from first ladies of president and governors, to political bigwigs, Ade Bakere is a success when it comes to couture and regular fashion designing.
In this exclusive interview, the University of Lagos History graduate bares his mind on how Ade Bakare Couture began, the challenges faced and overcame, and his plans for the nearest future. Excerpts:
Ade Bakare is known as both an individual and a brand. Who is Ade Bakare the individual?
I was born in England but relocated to Nigeria with my parents where I had my secondary school education. I attended Federal Government College, Lagos then I went to the University of Lagos where I studied History.
However, I had always wanted to study fashion from an early age, so once I finished my degree I went to England, precisely at Southford University College, Manchester, to study fashion because my parents always insisted that if you are going to do anything, you must do it well; so if you want to be a fashion designer, you have to get the proper training. A year after I completed the training I established my fashion outfit after having employment stints with some of the big names in the fashion industry, this was in the 1990s when the country was going through recession and getting a job was difficult. A lot of businesses were closing down as the economy was rough, that was when I stumbled on an article in the Evening Standard about starting your own fashion…
Ade in his shop
You went to school to study history, at what point did you realize that fashion was the thing for you? Had it always been there or the University brought it out?
Its innate, it had always been there, I just had to nurture and bring it out.
Was there anybody into fashion designing in your family before you?
My father was an Accountant and my Mom was a Caterer. However, in my Mom’s family were many very educated persons and they believe that if you want to do anything, it has to be professional, especially as most of them were doctors and professors and all that. My situation is quite similar to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti who went outside the country to study Music and I think that is what education does, it shows you that these things that you see as hobbies or passion are actually professions and one can do well with them.
During the period you went to study fashion, professions like Law, Medicine among others were in vogue. How easy was it for your parents to give you a go-ahead to study fashion designing?
Well, my Dad had a policy that once you are 21, you could decide for yourself and my Mum had nurtured me in the art of fashion through magazines and it was only natural that she would support me when I decided to go that part, but she stipulated one condition, that because of the Nigerian mentality that if you do not go to school, you are a drop out and would not be taken seriously, I must go to the University and graduate. However, I always think that if I was in England and had finished my secondary school there, she wouldn’t have minded me going from Secondary school to a fashion school. Interestingly, when I got there, I was like the only adult student as majority of the other students were fresh out of the English equivalent of Secondary school and when I said I had a degree, everyone was like, if this was what you want to do, why did you go to study History and I had to explain the Nigeria narrative to them but it was hard for them to understand because fashion designing had been appointed a degree status as early as the 1960s in England.
For them, a lawyer or doctor was not any bigger than a fashion designer, cook or chef but interestingly, a lot of people are now going into those kinds of professions. My parents did not object to my studying fashion designing so I am a product of two minds that had seen beyond all of what I earlier said and I think my case has been a success story because over there, I was seen as a spectacular student and was always called upon to lecture, and from lecturing, I was also called to handle some workshops and even now I am always called upon to teach. I think it is because of my History degree so it has not been all together a waste.
What does your fashion outfit cater for?
We dabble into a bit of everything, we do wedding outfits. For example, when Virgin Airline began, we won the bid to design the uniforms for them and although we always like to cater for other kind of clothing but having had the training in fashion, Ade Bakare Couture just knew what to do because in school you are taught how to do everything, from children’s wear, to wedding and what have you. You finally specialize in your final year.
At what stage did you know that you’ve finally made a breakthrough?
A lot of activities set my path to breakthrough. In the first place, Dele Momodu wrote about me, and portrayed me to the world in his Ovation Magazine. Then it was followed by my invitation to Nigeria by Sammy Ogbodu. Those aside, I was the official designer for late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo. More so, I have been fortunate to be discovered very early because when I started, there were not too many black designers in England. I was a novelty so people were interested in this black designer. People were intrigued, asking who is this black guy?
So your race gave you the breakthrough?
Yes, people wanted to know and work with this black person. They were quite surprised, and again, I was quite young, around 23, 24, just like how you have the musicians today. In reality, people wanted to see me work and what I could do. So, I had a lot of attention and I was able to capitalize on them but it was a two-way thing because I also faced a lot of rejection.
Ade’s adire design being showcased by models in Kigali
Who are your clients? What group of people do you style?
I like to say we cater and make things for everyone because everyone likes to look good, and we are committed to doing just that; things that stand out, that are beautifully cut and of course have good life span. Classical pieces but with a modern touch and for example, I still have ladies that have bought things from us 10-15 years ago and they still wear them.
What’s the process of making or styling a high profile client, and how long does it take?
It’s a collaborative effort and process; you meet with the client, you draw your sketch, you show them to the client, they tell you their likes and dislikes. Like the late Mrs. Obasanjo, she liked silk and soft chiffon, beautiful colors, and things neatly cut and getting all the way to the floor. Different clients like different things so you don’t always have to dictate, and because you are dealing on a one-to-one level, it takes different time to make an outfit. There are always ready to wear clothes and that doesn’t take time because the customer can just come and pick them off the shelf.
How many fashion lines do you have?
We’ve got the Ade Bakare Couture, which is the high end and what we are known for, and then we’ve got the ready to wear lines and they are quite affordable because we’ve got dresses that go for 25 thousand Naira, we’ve got jackets starting from 20 thousand naira, trousers starting from 15 thousand naira, so you could get a good outfit for 30 thousand naira with the same principles of Couture and we have generated quite a lot of success with the ready-to-wear outfits because people come for the ready to wear as they affordable.
Couture is usually expensive because you are using the best of everything but with the introduction of our ready-to-wear lines we have been able to reach a good number of our customers.
What is the major reason why you are concentrated on ladies?
Well, ladies can be very creative. The saying goes that a woman can wear everything a man can and more, she can wear jackets, trousers, shirts and the others. So, for a woman you can be more creative unlike a man, it is always a shirt or a trouser, a shorts and maybe a bit more but a woman offers variety and this allows for creativity. But note that we also run men’s wear line as well. We make desirable cloths for men too.
It was once reported that you were commissioned to do the interior decoration of a flat. Can you please shed more light on that?
Okay, when I came back from England and decided to open an outlet of the business here, we basically had to go to the client’s homes to discuss the designs with them and while there I usually comment on the interior of the house as a creative person. And you know, fashion is an arm of design. The client would then say I like your taste and we are looking to purchase another home, would you like to do the interior designs? And that was how we began, choosing and combining colors to give them the brilliant taste they desired.
As a result, we began getting more requests from clients to do more interior designing for flats, houses and all that. We do soft furnishing; bed, tables, furniture basically, kitchen and more.
Well, if you can dabble into the waters of interior designing being a fashion designer, one can guess that you do other things, so what other areas does Ade Bakare have interest in?
I have always liked to do interior designing but I also engage in costume designs and we’ve done quite a number of that for movies, we did it for ‘A Place in the Stars’, then we also got approached to do something for the cast of the series, ‘Lekki Wives’ and we did something for them. Currently, we are designing for ‘Battleground’ which is a series in its second year. So, that’s another angle to me. We are also in talks with another movie producer to design for one of his projects and I like projects. Designing is usually twice in a year, you do your autumn and spring collection so projects keeps one busy all year round.
What’s the next thing for Ade Bakare Couture?
The goal is to go global, we already have outlets in Lagos, Abuja, New York and London but we would to go global, and I am not just talking of Europe and North America, I mean West Africa. I would want that we have outlets in Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and other places because I think it kind of unifies us when people know what we are doing then also, we are looking to get investors in the business, people who would own shares.
There are quite a large number of persons who want to go into designing and Couture, what experiences do you want to share and relate to them?
It’s actually funny you should say that. We opened this place in 2006 and that same year, I started the Young Designers Creative Competition, YDCC to support and encourage young designers in the country. With the support and sponsorship of Mrs. Ovia, Mrs. Tinubu, MTN and others we were able to get the Civic Centre. We selected 10 best entries and began working with them, though we couldn’t continue after 2 years. This was due to lack of sponsorship, but not to be deterred we set up the Fashion academy last year to train and teach students the rudiments of fashion designing, the designs, pattern cutting and tailoring.
We also talk to them about the art of designing, how to set up a business and the need to speak a second language because I think one of the things that hold young Africans back from making progress is the inability to speak a second language. We are surrounded by French speaking countries and it would be necessary to learn this language so we can work well and make progress, just like how the world is ‘giddying’ up to learn Chinese. I think for Africans, ours should be French so that when you go anywhere you won’t be limited.
We are also looking to set up academies in the major cities of the country – Abuja, Port Harcourt and others.
So, this is part of your CSR?
Yes and even from the 10th – 16th of November, we would be having an event; a retrospective on my work at Terra Kulture and we would be bringing in secondary school students on the island and mainland providing transportation and giving them an idea of what creativity is and means. It is a way to spark up their mindset at a young age. If a child wants to study music today, he might not get in touch with Wizkid but through exhibitions, concerts and auditions, he might be given a platform.
What people don’t realize is that the Western world usually start grooming their kids from a young age; look at Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé, and that’s what we are trying to do – provide a platform for the young ones. We’ve actually done the retrospective thing before, we did it when we were celebrating our 10th anniversary. I am not sure how well people are going to respond to it but so far the feedbacks have been encouraging. For example, sometime at a restaurant, a lady walked up to me and said she remembers me and I was like, oh that’s interesting. She said she had been part of those people who had been selected one time to attend our exhibition and what she took from it was that if you could draw and had a creative side, you could find yourself in this line of work. And a lot of kids are this creative; you see them drawing comics, creating interesting content. Parents of yesteryears might have frowned at that but with the way our artistes are making money, they are persuaded to encourage them, so the key is to discover the talent and support them at a young age.
It doesn’t mean that they don’t read their books and choose to go into the academics but with that talent they can carve a name for themselves and that can become their breakthrough, but that can only happen if we identify and discover these talents.
What would you have been if you were not a fashion designer?
I think I would have been in the Foreign affairs, an ambassador but at the same time, I think what I do is a form of diplomacy, promoting the Nigerian culture and the African culture because I believe a lot of problem comes from misinformation. when I am outside the country and I say I want to do this design, I can do this design, people are always like – an African, are you sure you can do this? All that is because of ignorance and I think that as Africans, we must promote our brand and the best of our ability. I have been invited by FIMA for an exhibition scheduled for 29th of November in Morocco where I would be representing Nigeria so I would be showcasing Africa fashion at that event.
In 27 years of Ade Bakare Couture, there must have been awards, please do list them?
It started from when I was in design school, I won an award at the National Student Bridal Competition, I came second of all the design schools in England. Subsequently, I was selected by Bride magazine as one of London’s most influential designers. I won Business man of the year for Northwest Bank and Western Union, and now, I just recollect something funny, I never like staying out late at events and this particular event Dele Momodu was present and he saw me get up, he asked, where are you going? and I said home, the event is taking longer than I expected and he said you are going nowhere. Lo and behold, my name was called, I don’t know if he had inside information. I also won the Nigeria City People Award on two occasions and a lot more but I like to look ahead and see what the future holds. We’ve also gotten invitations to show our work in various parts of the words, Vienna, Mozambique, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and even the AMAA awards which happened recently, we were flown down and the Rwanda government sponsored the show, so I find it quite interesting because it’s a way of unifying Africans and showing us the meaning of brotherhood.
While in the plane to Kigali, I met a friend of mine who I introduced to Peace Anyiam, the organiser of the Kigali event, and I thought she was on her way to Rwanda but she said no, she was going to Gambia as she had been invited and she had been invited to Dubai also to show her collection, so I think the rest of the world are becoming interested in what Africans are doing and we ourselves must not be in the back line.
We know you are based more in England than Nigeria but is there any challenge or are there challenges on the way to becoming a successful designer?
Oh yes! And one of them is finance; people often think you just need your creativity to function in this kind of business but not so. When you read about some of the top fashion houses, you would realize that they had astute business men behind them and that keeps them moving and going forward. I think the reason most fashion businesses in Nigeria are the way they are is though no fault of the owners, sole trade business and not fashion entities because of lack of foreign investors and the pressure is borne by them.
And when people invest in your business, you are blessed with sound financial advice which you can bring into your business. For example, my very good but now late friend, Remi Lagos, she had said before she passed on that she wouldn’t mind that if the business stops but close to her end, she said she would want the business to continue but how possible would that be, seeing she had not brought in investors. Hopefully, her sister might sell the rights of the business to a financial investor who would resurrect the business. It’s the same thing when you look at big English fashion houses, the owners are long dead, say 1950s, 1960s and someone comes and is willing to pay and resurrect the business.
I’ve really begun to understand the usefulness of investors; you have the creativity and they have the finances and the financial advice to give, so you must be willing to work with them. It’s a double-edged sword because the investors can bring about your downfall but no one comes into a business to see it crumble or make a loss and most business success stories are based on investment.
What can you say is the secret to the success of your business?
Tenacity; I put in 100% and I believe if you can make any success in business you must put all your effort and that has been my driving force. There is no option to it. That’s why I said if I wanted to do anything, it would have been fashion designing and that for me is the way to make things happen if you want to be successful. Here in Nigeria, we see fashion not as a business but as a hobby, someone can say I like playing with colours and patterns and that’s why they want to do it but it’s much more than that, you must concentrate and give it your all.
Do you have any competitor in business?
I compete with myself. I strive to do better than I’ve done yesterday but we have other wonderful designers, no doubt. However, I always see myself as a person of two ways, when I am in Nigeria, I am there and when in England, it’s another ball game. Initially, when we set up here, we were importing a good deal of the outfits and it wasn’t selling that much. We began to make clothes in Nigeria and we saw that it was moving. Nigerians like a bit of their own stuff. For example, when I began the silk adire, I saw that immediately we put them on the rail, they are bought. I asked them why at a point, and one of the ladies said, this is us, this is who we are and we can really relate with these.
With how tedious the business can be, how do you relax?
I listen to music, read books then do a little bit of going out. I also do a bit of swimming.
By Eric Elezuo
The tears were palpable. The grief was tangible, and emotions ran high as the 41 years old, Philip Neilson Charles Taylor Jr, son of former President of Liberia, Charles Ghankay Taylor, and former Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was laid to rest in Monrovia, Liberia.
The events, which gathered and reunited the best of Liberian elites, spanned an activity-filled four days, creating an atmosphere of united-in-grief.
With two former presidents, Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Dr. George Opong Weah, joining the incumbent president, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in solidarity with the parents of the deceased, who also were top executive members of government at different levels and different times, the atmosphere was quickly charged with the colours of Liberia, and the tears of a nation greatly bereaved.
Born on September 2, 1984, the young Charles Taylor lived till January 20, 2026, when he succumbed to a respiratory ailment at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia. He was aged 41, and survived by his mum and dad, and five children among brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, and other relatives. He was the only child of his mum, Mrs. Howard-Taylor.
He was a graduate of Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of the African Methodist Episcopal University, and a recipient of many awards, cutting across orthodox, academic and social cares.
The funeral obsequies kicked off in earnest on Wednesday at the County Administrative Building Gbarnga City, Bong County, Liberia, where dignitaries gathered to eulogise life and times in what appeared to be a Service of Songs and Tributes, in addition to Lying-in-State of the beloved of the son, after the initial removal from A. Stryker Funeral Home. The body three other stops at diverse locations before returning.
Conducted by General Overseer & Founder
Peace Praise Full Gospel Church, Apostle Dr. Lucy C. H. Bulgar, with the theme, “THE GRAVE AWAITS YOU”, the solemn dovetailed into sections of quiet eulogy, praises, songs and special presentations.
Taking his text from II Corinthians 5: 10, which says For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, and Hebrews 9: 27, which says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, Apostle Bulgar led the congregation through redecorating themselves to God as death is inevitable.
With Life Reflections of deceased read by his son, Charles Ghankay Taylor IV, the floor was opened for high profile tributes by the Liberian President, Vice President, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, former presidents Sirleaf and Weah, the National 55th Legislature, Chairman, Ovation Media Group and former Presidential Candidate, Chief Dele Momodu, Founder, African Women Leadership Organization, Hon. Elisha Attai.
Tributes were also received from major political parties; The National Patriotic Party of Liberia and The Mighty Congress for Democratic Chang as well as from churches, institutions, organisations, members of the immediate and extended families and his children.
Below are excerpts of the memorial tributes from the deceased’s parents:
A MOTHER’S MEMORIAL TRIBUTE BY JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR
My beloved son,
Philip Neilson Charles Taylor
There are no words strong enough to describe the pain of standing here today. No mother is ever prepared to say goodbye to her only child. You were my heart walking outside my body, my greatest blessing, and my deepest love.
Philip, from the moment you came into my life, you changed everything. You gave me purpose beyond measure and a love so pure it reshaped my soul. You were my joy in quiet moments, my pride in your growth, and my comfort in times when life felt overwhelming.
Your smile carried warmth. Your presence brought peace. Your spirit carried gentleness and strength all at once. You were thoughtful, kind, and full of promise. You loved deeply, and you were deeply loved. Losing you has left a space that nothing on this earth can fill.
As your mother, my heart is broken. There are days when the grief feels unbearable, when the silence where your laughter once lived feels too heavy to carry. Yet even in this pain, I remain grateful to God for the gift of you for every moment, every memory, every embrace, and every lesson you unknowingly taught me about love, patience, and faith.
Though your life on this earth was far too short, your impact was lasting. You mattered. You were seen. You were cherished. And you will never be forgotten. Philip, I release you now into God’s eternal arms, trusting that you are at peace, free from pain, resting in divine light. While I must walk this journey without you by my side, I carry you forever in my heart. Sleep on, my precious son.
Rest in eternal peace.
Until the day we meet again.
– Mama –
A FATHER’S TRIBUTE TO HIS SON BY CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I
A TRIBUTE IN PRAYER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT H. E. DAHKPANHAN DR. CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LOST OF HIS BELOVED SON, PHILIP NEILSON CHARLES TAYLOR.
As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my son, Philip Neilsen Charles Taylor, let us begin with thanksgiving and blessing to the Most High God- the King of the Universe – the righteous Judge who is true and perfect in all His works. For all His ways are justice. He is a God of faithfulness, without iniquity, righteous and fair, and we thank Him for the blessings He bestowed upon Philip during his sojourn on this earth.
Now, let us bless the Lord our God. Blessed are You, O Lord my God, King of the Universe.
I thank You, the God of my forefathers, forever and ever. You are the Rock of my life and the Shield of my salvation from generation to generation. You are the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. You give us life, and You uphold us to continue to do Your will and to serve You wholeheartedly. Amen and Amen.
Philip… Philip…
Your father cannot be here today to say goodbye to you personally as you journey onward to your eternal home. But he has sent your sister, Charen Zally, to read these words so that you may know what is in his heart:
“My son, I love you. There were rocky and difficult steps along the way, but life itself is a battle. As you travel on, let not your soul be troubled. Your mother and I now release you into the infinite mercy and perfect will of the Lord God.
We forgive you for any time you may have angered us or sinned against us whether against our property, our honor, or in any way whether accidentally, carelessly, or intentionally; whether through speech, deed, thought, or intention; whether in this life or beyond. We forgive you fully.
May it be the will of the Lord our God and the God of our forefathers that whatever sins you may have committed before Him, may He, in His great mercy, forgive you, cleanse you, and receive your soul in peace.”
O God our Father, we plea that you blot out his transgressions in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering as he journeys to Your eternal world. Amen.
Philip, our dearly beloved son, was a blessed young man. His father, Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor, served as President of this glorious and blessed nation. His mother, Honorable Jewel Howard-Taylor, also served as Vice President at a different period, with great honor and distinction.
We bless God that Philip was given to us for a season and has now been summoned home to be with Him.
He is in a better place. And so, we are not here today to mourn without hope. I do not question the quality of the judgment of Almighty God.
Who can say to God, “What are You doing?” No one.
For God alone rules above and below. He gives life and permits death; He brings down to the grave and raises up.
O Most High God, You are righteous. You gave Philip to us, and You have taken him back. Blessed be Your holy name.
With righteousness in Your right hand and correction in Your left, You judge Your creation.
We accept Your judgment for you are the knower of all mysteries and keeper of all secrets.
And now O God our Rock, we plead for mercy. Do not set our iniquities before You.
O God, Relent your anger concerning us, Your servants. Let not our trespasses bring separation between You and us.
Have mercy on the remnant of our family, the flock of Your hand.
And say to the angel of death, “Hold back your hand.”
O God in your infinite mercy, show us your mercy and kindness, and do not erase our memory from before your throne.
To you alone we honor and glorify in Jesus precious name.
Amen.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is not a sight any parent should ever have to see.
It is a very, very bitter pill to swallow.
This pain is deep.
It is personal.
My grief is sharper because of many variables surrounding this loss.
I know that perhaps millions of people-here at home, in the diaspora, and across our world-have experienced this kind of sudden flood of unanticipated emotion and though I am not easily moved to tears, I must admit that I am overcome with deep grief.
It hurts. Yes, it truly hurts.
For Parents are not meant to bury the fruit of their own loins. It should be the other way around.
Yet God understands this mystery. He is just. He knows best.
To our families, I say: let us celebrate his life, because God alone knows the absolute truth about His creation. We, as human beings, understand only relative truth through our finite minds.
And perhaps more importantly, we must realize that Philip is not “dead,” but has been born into a new life with Almighty God.
Death, in its deepest sense, is not the end-even in the relative sense.
He is now journeying to higher planes of existence for ages upon ages. The universe is our home, and before the end of time, we will explore its farthest reaches.
Even now, we dwell within the infinite mind of Almighty God, and our possibilities remain infinite both in time and in space.
And at the end of the grand cycle of the ages, God will gather us unto Himself. Then we shall know the whole truth-the truth of being at one with Him.
Philip will be there. And we will meet again.
And I say to Jewel: we loved Philip deeply, but God loved him more and has called him home. Rest in your faith that it is well.
To Philip’s children, his brothers and sisters, his aunts, cousins, nieces, and all his extended family: I assure you that he is safe and protected with the Almighty – the “Knower of All Mysteries.”
In moments like this, we must examine ourselves in quiet retrospection. Reflection is necessary as we try to understand this great mystery of life and death. As it is often said: the past is a statement; the future is a question.
In closing, on behalf of our bereaved families all of them and in my own name, I extend heartfelt thanks; to the President of our nation, President Joseph Boakai and his family; members of his government; former officials of government, bishops, pastors, deacons, laymen and laywomen; the Imam and members of the Muslim community; our chiefs, elders, zoes, and our ancient ancestors the custodians of the land; and all the people of our unique Liberia, our “coat of many colors.”
We also thank nationals of foreign lands and members of the diplomatic community for their expressions of sympathy and condolences in this time of profound grief.
Shalom.
Rest in peace, Phil.
Rise in glory.
May flights of angels sing you to your rest.
Amen.
A TRIBUTE: WE CELEBRATE A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY SON – CHIEF DELE MOMODU
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Due to time constraints, please, permit me to stand on already established protocols.
I have come from Nigeria to join families and friends of the TAYLORS OF LIBERIA, not to mourn and inter CHARLES TAYLOR JR., but to celebrate their unique and extraordinary son, an only child of my very dear friend and Sister, former Vice President, DR JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR, one of Africa’s most notable leaders of the 21st century.
In our grief, let’s not forget to thank God for this special gift. At 42, Charles has succeeded in reuniting the wonderful people of Liberia. Look around this gathering and see the array of the creme de la creme of society, the rich, the poor, there’s no discrimination. We are all one held together by Almighty God. That is the privilege Charles has granted us on this auspicious day. On a personal note, it has taken Charles to bring me back, the Kiazolu of Grand Cape Mount County, to Monrovia.
Let me leave this congregation with a food for thought. In celebrating Charles, let’s remember the popular Yoruba adage which tells us that the death that takes away our neighbours and contemporaries is only
reminding us that our own will come, sooner or later. The reason we must all make the world a better place…
Thank you and God bless the Republic of Liberia.
SHORTLY before the end of the service, the father of the deceased made a special of a song with the title, “Hold back the Night”, and which was rendered by a A joint assembly of the New Life Mission Choir and, The National Evangelical Mass Choir of Liberia.
The congregation was thereafter permitted to view the remains of Philip Neilson as the service came to an end.
The funeral rites continued the next day at Peace Praise Gospel Ministries, Barnesville Township, Montserrado County, Liberia, where the congregation erupted in more songs and tribute to the memory of the deceased.
On the night of the same day, a Wake Service was organised at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.
The remains of Philip Neilson were finally committed to mother-earth after a funeral service at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, in Monrovia, Liberia, with close family members and friends in attendance, and conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams, of the African Chapel International, Accra, Ghana, and supported by other eminent spiritual leaders including Archbishop Isaac A. Winker of the Isaac Winker Global Ministeries International.
Philip Neilson was buried at the Shiata Flowers and Vaults Cemetery, Lower Careysburg, Monrovia.
Charles Taylor Jr may have died, and been buried, but his death has become a unifying force for the Liberians as the crème de la crème of the nation were brought together irrespective of political alienation or differences, as one indivisible people.
By Eric Elezuo
The idea behind one of Nigeria’s elevated private higher institution of learning, the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is not only humongous, but filled with classy intentions, beautiful landscape, and professionalism in tutelage and character molding.
A visit to this great citadel of learning is not a one day affair, cause no one can see ABUAD in One day; not even in one week, one month or a year, as this reporter can attest to. ABUAD is huge. ABUAD is large. ABUAD is an institution beyond the literary definition. ABUAD is a dream projected to last a lifetime, and it has not failed to live up to billing.
Navigating through the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti via the centre of Ekiti Parapo Arena, and into the gracious Olusegun Obasanjo Way enroute Aye Ekiti, the institution is situated at an altitude of over 1,500 feet, and located on a 130-hectare piece of land; large enough to birth a kingdom, and accommodate whatever facility dreamt of.
The Boss learnt that the institution was established to address the mismatch between academic programmes and the demands of the labour market in Nigeria.
Established in 2009, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, by a distinguished legal icon, academic pillar and seasoned entrepreneur, Prof Afe Babalola, ABUAD has distinguished itself as a force to reckon with in the fields of research and training, developing and churning out creative minds, who have constituting a megaforce in global development.
By the benefit of hindsight, the University offers Academic programmes in seven Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Postgraduate Studies. Beyond the academic ratings, ABUAD boasts of the very best of facilities for health, recreation, environmental, electricity, agriculture and more. It is also a centre of academic discipline with academic and non-academic staff of repute, whose stock-in-trade remain the production of all-round, well-tutored and easy-to-fit personality.
The institution is managed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Smaranda Olarinde, which academic and administrative catalogue is quiet envious to behold.
By every standard, the institution merits its Time Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking as at 2025 as the 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria. Great feat!
The Engineering College, one of the foremost architectural intelligence on the ABUAD land, is built on three and half acres of land, and is reputed to be one of the largest in Africa. The college was inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Campuses
Admission requirement
The admission requirement for the school varies between the different colleges. However, as with all Nigerian universities, for undergraduate programs the candidate is required to have at least 5 credits in subjects such as mathematics, English language and any other three subjects that are relevant to the course of study. The student is required to have passed the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), after which the candidate is expected to take an oral interview with an academic staff of the prospective college before admission can be given. The university also offers direct entry admission to students who wish to transfer from another university or have undergone either an Advanced Level program or a degree foundation program. The level at which they are admitted into is decided by the college and varies among them.
Undergraduate colleges
The university operates a collegiate system and has six major colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law, College of Social and Management Sciences, and College of Pharmacy. Some of the colleges offer post graduate programme in some departments.
The College of Law
The College of Law is fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. The college consists of fully furnished classrooms, a common room, a library containing law journals and articles, and a moot court for students to have court practice sessions. There are a number of student chambers in the college backed by a staff mentor who battle against each other in moot court sessions. Associate Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde (FCAI) is the pioneer provost of the college of Law and is still the current provost of the college; she is also the acting vice chancellor of the university. The College of Law, which is regarded as one of the best law colleges in Nigeria, offers both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees (master’s level) in law.
The College of Engineering
The college of engineering was accredited by both the NUC and COREN during their one-week visit to the college. The main engineering building which houses laboratories, a central engineering library, lecturer rooms, an auditorium, a central engineering workshop and a certified Festo training center. The engineering building is named after the former Nigerian president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was commissioned by him on 20 October 2013 during the university’s first convocation ceremony. Prof. Israel Esan Owolabi served as the pioneer provost of the college of engineering; he stepped down from the post in 2015 and he is currently engaged in teaching activities in the electrical/electronics engineering programme.
Academic programs
- B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering
- B.Eng. Mechatronic Engineering
- B.Eng. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- B.Eng. Petroleum Engineering
- B.Eng. Civil Engineering
- B.Eng. Chemical Engineering
- B.Eng. Computer Engineering
- B.Eng. Agricultural Engineering
- B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering
- B.Eng. Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
The College of Sciences
The College of Sciences is one of the pioneer colleges of the university after the university’s approval by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC). The university admitted students at inception on 4 January 2010.
Academic programs
- B.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Sc. Human Biology
- B.Sc. Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Biochemistry
- B.Sc. Chemistry
- B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Geology.
- B.Sc. Physics with Electronics
- B.Sc. Physics
- B.Sc. Petroleum Chemistry
- B.Arch Architecture
The College of Social and Management Sciences
At inception, on 4 January 2010 the university admitted students into the College of Social and Management Sciences, being one of the pioneer colleges of the university. The session ran smoothly without hitches from 4 January to August 2010. The second session of the university started on October 4, 2010, with over 1,000 students. So far the, university has maintained strict compliance with its academic calendar which makes it possible for students to pre-determine their possible date of completion of their programmes even before enrolment. It has been the policy of the university to post on-line students’ results within 24hours of approval by the Senate.
Academic programs
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.Sc. Accounting
- B.Sc. Banking and Finance
- B.Sc. Business Administration
- B.Sc. Tourism and Events Management.
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomacy
- B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Studies
- B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
- B.Sc. Social Justice
- B.Sc. Communication and Media Studies
- B.Sc. Marketing
- B.Sc. Entrepreneurship
- B.Sc. Sociology
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences
The college commenced activities in October 2011 having been approved by National Universities Commission.
Academic programs
- Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S)
- B.NSc. Nursing Sciences
- B.MLS. Medical Laboratory Science
- B.Sc. Anatomy
- B.Sc. Physiology
- B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- B.Sc. Pharmacology
- B.Sc. Public Health
- Pharm.D Pharmacy
- B.DS. Dentistry
- OD. Optometry
The College of Arts and Humanities
Academic programs
- B. A. Performing Arts
- B. A. English
- B. A. History and International Studies
- B. A. Linguistics
The College of Agriculture
Academic programs
- B. Agric. Animal Science
- B. Agric. Agricultural Economics
- B. Agric. Extension Education
- B. Agric. Crop Science
- B. Agric. Soil Science
Postgraduate college
The university operates a collegiate system and has five major Postgraduate colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law and College of Social and Management Sciences.
ABUAD INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT
To harness thorough academic and character building, the institution is operated off the national grid as it is run on its own power project, with a dam that powers its electrical needs.
HEALTH AND AGRICULTURE
ABUAD operates of the best medical schools and facilities in the country as it boasts of almost all equipment, space and atmosphere for sundry medical conditions, with reputable medical personnel to complement the environment.
In the vein, the institution runs a developed farming culture, that accommodates rearing of livestock and production of cash and food crops.
The farm sits on a large expanse of loamy soil, complimented with consistent flow of irrigation and drainage, and maintained with the classic of horticulture. The settlement is run by a team of professionals made up of Agroeconomists, horticulturist and more.
It is also worth knowing that the school has its Cassava Processing Factory just as it operates a self sustaining Carbonated Drink Factory.
ABUAD practically offers everything!
ABUAD’S FOUNDER, AARE AFE BABALOLA
Born in 1929, Aare Afe Babalola SAN is one of the most distinguished legal luminaries of his generation, renowned both in Africa and globally for his profound contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of education. With over five decades of uninterrupted legal practice, Aare Babalola’s career is a testament to exceptional dedication, strategic advocacy, and visionary leadership.
A highly accomplished advocate, he has led some of the most celebrated cases in Nigerian legal history, representing high-profile clients, including government institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals. His advocacy spans domestic and international courts, including contributions as a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria, World Bank, and various conglomerates. His extensive experience includes his role in arbitration, both locally and internationally, where he remains a respected authority. Aare Babalola has appeared in numerous landmark cases, shaping Nigerian jurisprudence and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable legal minds.
His influence goes beyond the courtroom. As the Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Aare Babalola has trained over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges, and attorneys-general, making his chambers one of the most significant contributors to the legal profession in Nigeria. His exceptional litigation skills and legal acumen earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, cementing his place at the pinnacle of legal practice in the country.
A renowned scholar and author, Aare Babalola has authored several authoritative legal texts, including Injunctions and Enforcement of Orders and Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria. His contributions to legal education extend to teaching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and delivering lectures at prestigious universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. His popular column, YOU AND THE LAW, published in the Nigerian Tribune, reflects his commitment to educating the public on legal matters.
Beyond his legal practice, Aare Babalola has made extraordinary strides in education. His experience as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) exposed him to the declining standards of education in Nigeria, spurring him to establish Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of academic excellence, setting new standards in Nigeria’s educational system. His efforts in education have been recognized globally, with numerous honorary degrees from universities, including the University of London, University of Lagos, and Ekiti State University.
Aare Babalola’s leadership in academia and law has earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and international recognition such as the Queen Victoria Commemorative Award at the Socrates Awards in Oxford, UK. He was named Africa Man of the Year on Food Security and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management by the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of lawyers and leaders across Africa and beyond.
In addition to his legal and educational contributions, Aare Babalola remains a committed philanthropist and advocate for reform in various sectors. His vast experience, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a legal icon but also a trailblazer in the fight for quality education and justice.
Key Achievements:
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 1987.
- Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
- Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos (2001-2007).
- Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
- Queen Victoria Commemorative Award winner, Oxford UK.
- Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London, Ekiti State University, University of Lagos, and more
ABUAD is a legacy, just like its Founder, Afe Babalola SAN.
Photos: Ben Osei and Ken Ehimen
Tinubu Nominates Oyedele As Minister of State for Finance, Moves Anite-Uzoka to Budget Ministry
Defection: Atiku’s Son, Adamu, Resigns As Adamawa Commissioner
Senate Rescinds Resolution Seeking Sack of Magaji As CAC Registrar-General
Israel Declares Hezbollah Leader Marked Target
DSS Nabs Man over Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi
NELFund Extends Deadline for Student Loan Applications Nationwide
Saudi Arabia Shuts Down One of World’s Largest Oil Refinery after Iran’s Drone Strike
Prof Jide Owoeye: When a Distinguished Academic Turns 70
Many Killled, Houses Torched As Terrorists Unleash Deadly Attacks on Adamawa Communities
The Oracle: Entertainment is the Next Hope for Nigeria After Oil (Pt. 2)
Fubara Appoints New SSG, Chief of Staff
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Cut Off from Contact, Fate Unknown
Opposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment
Beyond the Vision: The Alchemy of Turning Ideas into Execution
-
Boss Of The Week3 days agoProf Jide Owoeye: When a Distinguished Academic Turns 70
-
Featured6 days agoMany Killled, Houses Torched As Terrorists Unleash Deadly Attacks on Adamawa Communities
-
The Oracle5 days agoThe Oracle: Entertainment is the Next Hope for Nigeria After Oil (Pt. 2)
-
News6 days agoFubara Appoints New SSG, Chief of Staff
-
Middle East4 days agoIran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Cut Off from Contact, Fate Unknown
-
Headline5 days agoOpposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment
-
Opinion4 days agoBeyond the Vision: The Alchemy of Turning Ideas into Execution
-
Islam5 days agoFriday Sermon: Reflections on Ramadan 2: The Taraweeh Conundrum